[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 172 (Sunday, November 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2429-E2430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO PASTOR EPHRAIM AND MRS. CARRIE SUE WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Pastor Ephraim and Mrs. 
Carrie Sue Williams as they celebrate a personal milestone. On November 
22, 2003, Pastor Williams and his beloved wife will celebrate their 
50th wedding anniversary. As their friends and family gather to 
commemorate this momentous occasion, I ask all my colleagues to join me 
in wishing one of Sacramento's most revered couples a happy anniversary 
and continued happiness in the future.
  For the past 32 years, Mr. and Mrs. Williams have served with great 
class, dignity, and distinction as the Pastor and First Lady of the St. 
Paul Baptist Church in Sacramento California. As Pastor, Mr. Williams 
has played an instrumental role in directing and coordinating all 
aspects of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Williams made 
vital decisions related to staffing, church organization structure, 
finances, and the modification of facilities. Pastor Williams was the 
driving force behind the construction of a seventy-nine square foot 
edifice, which includes an administration wing, sanctuary, fellowship 
hall and classroom wing. Pastor Williams spearheaded a 7-year effort 
that liquidated a $4 million debt for the church so that it could cover 
the $7.7 million that was required for the construction project. Pastor 
Williams is currently leading the church in the building of a multi 
million-dollar Family Life Center that will include a gymnasium, 
classrooms, computer lab, dance rooms, nursery, office space, library, 
weight room and conference room. Pastor Williams' commitment to improve 
the church is great proof of his willingness to work hard to improve 
the lives of other people.
  Mrs. Carrie Sue Williams is a former business owner and she has 
brought her trademark grace and dignity to her role as the First Lady 
of St. Paul Baptist Church. As the First Lady, Mrs. Williams regularly 
visits the sick and the confined. She also counsels women and couples. 
Mrs. Williams helped to design

[[Page E2430]]

the St. Paul Children and Youth Reading Ministry, a program that is 
designed to motivate and reward children for their reading efforts.
  Pastor Williams is undoubtedly one of the strongest civic leaders in 
the Capital Region. Pastor Williams' leadership capacities have 
included: President of United Pastors of Sacramento, Vice President of 
the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc, President of the 
California State Baptist Convention and President of the Northern 
District Baptist Association. Pastor Williams is the current President 
of the Oak Park and St. Paul Community Outreach Program.
  Pastor and First Lady Williams are the proud parents of Gwen and 
Ephraim Jr., although he has since passed on. They also enjoy the love 
and companionship of their four grandchildren and three great 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Pastor Williams and First 
Lady Williams on their 50th wedding anniversary. As the family and 
friends of the Williams family gather to celebrate this terrific 
milestone, I would like to especially thank Pastor Williams and First 
Lady Williams for all their great service to their community. I ask all 
my colleagues to join with me in wishing Pastor Ephraim Williams and 
First Lady Carrie Sue Williams continued success in all their future 
endeavors.

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